| 1. |
- Marinucci, A., et al.
(author)
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Polarization constraints on the X-ray corona in Seyfert Galaxies : MCG-05-23-16
- 2022
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In: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 516:4, s. 5907-5913
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report on the first observation of a radio-quiet active galactic nucleus (AGN) in polarized X-rays: the Seyfert 1.9 galaxy MCG-05-23-16. This source was pointed at with the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) starting on 2022 May 14 for a net observing time of 486 ks, simultaneously with XMM-Newton (58 ks) and NuSTAR (83 ks). A polarization degree Π smaller than 4.7 per cent (at the 99 per cent confidence level) is derived in the 2–8 keV energy range, where emission is dominated by the primary component ascribed to the hot corona. The broad-band spectrum, inferred from a simultaneous fit to the IXPE, NuSTAR, and XMM-Newton data, is well reproduced by a power law with photon index Γ = 1.85 ± 0.01 and a high-energy cutoff EC = 120 ± 15 keV. A comparison with Monte Carlo simulations shows that a lamp-post and a conical geometry of the corona are consistent with the observed upper limit, a slab geometry is allowed only if the inclination angle of the system is less than 50°.
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| 2. |
- Li, Z. S., et al.
(author)
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Broadband X-ray spectra and timing of the accreting millisecond pulsar Swift J1756.9-2508 during its 2018 and 2019 outbursts
- 2021
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 649
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar Swift J1756.9-2508 launched into an outburst in April 2018 and June 2019 - 8.7 years after the previous period of activity. We investigated the temporal, timing, and spectral properties of these two outbursts using data from NICER, XMM-Newton, NuSTAR, INTEGRAL, Swift, and Insight-HXMT. The two outbursts exhibited similar broadband spectra and X-ray pulse profiles. For the first time, we report the detection of the pulsed emission up to similar to 100 keV that was observed by Insight-HXMT during the 2018 outburst. We also found the pulsation up to similar to 60 keV that was observed by NICER and NuSTAR during the 2019 outburst. We performed a coherent timing analysis combining the data from the two outbursts. The binary system is well described by a constant orbital period over a time span of similar to 12 years. The time-averaged broadband spectra are well fitted by the absorbed thermal Comptonization model COMPPS in a slab geometry with an electron temperature, kT(e)=40-50 keV, Thomson optical depth tau similar to 1.3, blackbody seed photon temperature kT(bb, seed)similar to 0.7-0.8 keV, and hydrogen column density of N-H similar to 4.2x10(22) cm(-2). We searched the available data for type-I (thermonuclear) X-ray bursts, but found none, which is unsurprising given the estimated low peak accretion rate (approximate to 0.05 of the Eddington rate) and generally low expected burst rates for hydrogen-poor fuel. Based on the history of four outbursts to date, we estimate the long-term average accretion rate at roughly 5x10(-12) M-circle dot yr(-1) for an assumed distance of 8 kpc. The expected mass transfer rate driven by gravitational radiation in the binary implies the source may be no closer than 4 kpc. Swift J1756.9-2508 is the third low mass X-ray binary exhibiting "double" outbursts, which are separated by much shorter intervals than what we typically see and are likely to result from interruption of the accretion flow from the disk onto the neutron star. Such behavior may have important implications for the disk instability model.
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| 3. |
- Mattila, S., et al.
(author)
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A dust-enshrouded tidal disruption event with a resolved radio jet in a galaxy merger
- 2018
-
In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 361:6401, s. 482-485
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Tidal disruption events (TDEs) are transient flares produced when a star is ripped apart by the gravitational field of a supermassive black hole (SMBH). We have observed a transient source in the western nucleus of the merging galaxy pair Arp 299 that radiated >1.5 × 1052erg at infrared and radio wavelengths but was not luminous at optical or x-ray wavelengths. We interpret this as a TDE with much of its emission reradiated at infrared wavelengths by dust. Efficient reprocessing by dense gas and dust may explain the difference between theoretical predictions and observed luminosities of TDEs. The radio observations resolve an expanding and decelerating jet, probing the jet formation and evolution around a SMBH.
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| 4. |
- Kool, Erik C., et al.
(author)
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AT 2017gbl : a dust obscured TDE candidate in a luminous infrared galaxy
- 2020
-
In: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 498:2, s. 2167-2195
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present the discovery with Keck of the extremely infrared (IR) luminous transient AT 2017gbl, coincident with the Northern nucleus of the luminous infrared galaxy (LIRG) IRAS 23436+5257. Our extensive multiwavelength follow-up spans ∼900 d, including photometry and spectroscopy in the optical and IR, and (very long baseline interferometry) radio and X-ray observations. Radiative transfer modelling of the host galaxy spectral energy distribution and long-term pre-outburst variability in the mid-IR indicate the presence of a hitherto undetected dust obscured active galactic nucleus (AGN). The optical and near-IR spectra show broad ∼2000 km s−1 hydrogen, He i, and O i emission features that decrease in flux over time. Radio imaging shows a fast evolving compact source of synchrotron emission spatially coincident with AT 2017gbl. We infer a lower limit for the radiated energy of 7.3 × 1050 erg from the IR photometry. An extremely energetic supernova would satisfy this budget, but is ruled out by the radio counterpart evolution. Instead, we propose AT 2017gbl is related to an accretion event by the central supermassive black hole, where the spectral signatures originate in the AGN broad line region and the IR photometry is consistent with re-radiation by polar dust. Given the fast evolution of AT 2017gbl, we deem a tidal disruption event (TDE) of a star a more plausible scenario than a dramatic change in the AGN accretion rate. This makes AT 2017gbl the third TDE candidate to be hosted by a LIRG, in contrast to the so far considered TDE population discovered at optical wavelengths and hosted preferably by post-starburst galaxies.
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| 5. |
- Lutovinov, A. A., et al.
(author)
-
PROPELLER EFFECT in the TRANSIENT X-RAY PULSAR SMC X-2
- 2017
-
In: Astrophysical Journal. - : Institute of Physics (IOP). - 0004-637X .- 1538-4357. ; 834:2
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report the results of the monitoring campaign of the transient X-ray pulsar SMC X-2 performed with the Swift/XRT telescope over the period of 2015 September-2016 January during the Type II outburst. During this event, the bolometric luminosity of the source ranged from ≃1039 down to several ×1034 erg s-1. Moreover, we discovered its dramatic drop by a factor of more than 100 below the limiting value of erg s-1, which can be interpreted as a transition to the propeller regime. These measurements make SMC X-2 the sixth pulsating X-ray source where such a transition is observed and allow us to estimate the magnetic field of the neutron star in the system B ≃ 3 × 1012 G, which is in agreement with independent results of the spectral analysis.
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| 6. |
- Kuiper, L., et al.
(author)
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High-energy characteristics of the accretion-powered millisecond pulsar IGR J17591-2342 during its 2018 outburst : XMM-Newton, NICER, NuSTAR, and INTEGRAL view of the 0.3-300 keV X-ray band
- 2020
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP SCIENCES S A. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 641
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- IGR J17591-2342 is an accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar, discovered with INTEGRAL, which went into outburst around July 21, 2018. To better understand the physics acting in these systems during the outburst episode, we performed detailed temporal-, timing-, and spectral analyses across the 0.3-300 keV band using data from NICER, XMM-Newton, NuSTAR, and INTEGRAL. The hard X-ray 20-60 keV outburst profile covering similar to 85 days is composed of four flares. Over the course of the maximum of the last flare, we discovered a type-I thermonuclear burst in INTEGRAL JEM-X data, posing constraints on the source distance. We derived a distance of 7.6 +/- 0.7 kpc, adopting Eddington-limited photospheric radius expansion and assuming anisotropic emission. In the timing analysis, using all NICER 1-10 keV monitoring data, we observed a rather complex set of behaviours starting with a spin-up period (MJD 58345-58364), followed by a frequency drop (MJD 58364-58370), an episode of constant frequency (MJD 58370-58383), concluded by irregular behaviour till the end of the outburst. The 1-50 keV phase distributions of the pulsed emission, detected up to similar to 120 keV using INTEGRAL ISGRI data, was decomposed in three Fourier harmonics showing that the pulsed fraction of the fundamental increases from similar to 10% to similar to 17% going from similar to 1.5 to similar to 4 keV, while the harder photons arrive earlier than the soft photons for energies less than or similar to 10 keV. The total emission spectrum of IGR J17591-2342 across the 0.3-150 keV band could adequately be fitted in terms of an absorbed COMPPS model yielding as best fit parameters a column density of N-H=(2.09 +/- 0.05) x 10(22) cm(-2), a blackbody seed photon temperature kT(bb, seed) of 0.64 +/- 0.02 keV, electron temperature kT(e)=38.8 +/- 1.2 keV and Thomson optical depth tau (T)=1.59 +/- 0.04. The fit normalisation results in an emission area radius of 11.3 +/- 0.5 km adopting a distance of 7.6 kpc. Finally, the results are discussed within the framework of accretion physics- and X-ray thermonuclear burst theory.
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| 7. |
- Tsygankov, S. S., et al.
(author)
-
Propeller effect in two brightest transient X-ray pulsars : 4U 0115+63 and v 0332+53
- 2016
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 593
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims. We present the results of the monitoring programmes performed with the Swift/XRT telescope and aimed specifically to detect an abrupt decrease of the observed flux associated with a transition to the propeller regime in two well-known X-ray pulsars 4U 0115+63 and V 0332+53. Methods. Both sources form binary systems with Be optical companions and undergo so-called giant outbursts every 3-4 years. The current observational campaigns were performed with the Swift/XRT telescope in the soft X-ray band (0.5-10 keV) during the declining phases of the outbursts exhibited by both sources in 2015. Results. The transitions to the propeller regime were detected at the threshold luminosities of (1.4 ± 0.4) × 1036 erg s-1 and (2.0 ± 0.4) × 1036 erg s-1 for 4U 0115+63 and V 0332+53, respectively. Spectra of the sources are shown to be significantly softer during the low state. In both sources, the accretion at rates close to the aforementioned threshold values briefly resumes during the periastron passage following the transition into the propeller regime. The strength of the dipole component of the magnetic field required to inhibit the accretion agrees well with estimates based on the position of the cyclotron lines in their spectra, thus excluding presence of a strong multipole component of the magnetic field in the vicinity of the neutron star.
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| 8. |
- Tsygankov, S. S., et al.
(author)
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SMC X-3 : The closest ultraluminous X-ray source powered by a neutron star with non-dipole magnetic field
- 2017
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 605
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims. The magnetic field of accreting neutron stars determines their overall behavior including the maximum possible luminosity. Some models require an above-average magnetic field strength (≥ 1013 G) in order to explain super-Eddington mass accretion rate in the recently discovered class of pulsating ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULX). The peak luminosity of SMC X-3 during its major outburst in 2016-2017 reached ~2.5 × 1039 erg s-1 comparable to that in ULXs thus making this source the nearest ULX-pulsar. Determination of the magnetic field of SMC X-3 is the main goal of this paper. Methods. SMC X-3 belongs to the class of transient X-ray pulsars with Be optical companions, and exhibited a giant outburst in July 2016-March 2017. The source has been observed over the entire outburst with the Swift/XRT and Fermi/GBM telescopes, as well as the NuSTAR observatory. Collected data allowed us to estimate the magnetic field strength of the neutron star in SMC X-3 using several independent methods. Results. Spin evolution of the source during and between the outbursts, and the luminosity of the transition to the so-called propeller regime in the range of (0.3-7) × 1035 erg s-1 imply a relatively weak dipole field of (1-5) × 1012 G. On the other hand, there is also evidence for a much stronger field in the immediate vicinity of the neutron star surface. In particular, transition from super- to sub-critical accretion regime associated with the cease of the accretion column and very high peak luminosity favor a field that is an order of magnitude stronger. This discrepancy makes SMC X-3 a good candidate for possessing significant non-dipolar components of the field, and an intermediate source between classical X-ray pulsars and accreting magnetars which may constitute an appreciable fraction of ULX population.
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| 9. |
- Tsygankov, S. S., et al.
(author)
-
Stable accretion from a cold disc in highly magnetized neutron stars
- 2017
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 608
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims. The aim of this paper is to investigate the transition of a strongly magnetized neutron star into the accretion regime with very low accretion rate.& para;& para;Methods. For this purpose, we monitored the Be-transient X-ray pulsar GRO J1008-57 throughout a full orbital cycle. The current observational campaign was performed with the Swift/XRT telescope in the soft X-ray band (0.5-10 keV) between two subsequent Type I outbursts in January and September 2016.& para;& para;Results. The expected transition to the propeller regime was not observed. However, transitions between different regimes of accretion were detected. In particular, after an outburst, the source entered a stable accretion state characterised by an accretion rate of similar to 10(14)-10(15) g s(-1). We associate this state with accretion from a cold (low-ionised) disc of temperature below similar to 6500 K. We argue that a transition to this accretion regime should be observed in all X-ray pulsars that have a certain combination of the rotation frequency and magnetic field strength. The proposed model of accretion from a cold disc is able to explain several puzzling observational properties of X-ray pulsars.
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| 10. |
- Barack, Leor, et al.
(author)
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Black holes, gravitational waves and fundamental physics : a roadmap
- 2019
-
In: Classical and quantum gravity. - : IOP Publishing. - 0264-9381 .- 1361-6382. ; 36:14
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The grand challenges of contemporary fundamental physics dark matter, dark energy, vacuum energy, inflation and early universe cosmology, singularities and the hierarchy problem all involve gravity as a key component. And of all gravitational phenomena, black holes stand out in their elegant simplicity, while harbouring some of the most remarkable predictions of General Relativity: event horizons, singularities and ergoregions. The hitherto invisible landscape of the gravitational Universe is being unveiled before our eyes: the historical direct detection of gravitational waves by the LIGO-Virgo collaboration marks the dawn of a new era of scientific exploration. Gravitational-wave astronomy will allow us to test models of black hole formation, growth and evolution, as well as models of gravitational-wave generation and propagation. It will provide evidence for event horizons and ergoregions, test the theory of General Relativity itself, and may reveal the existence of new fundamental fields. The synthesis of these results has the potential to radically reshape our understanding of the cosmos and of the laws of Nature. The purpose of this work is to present a concise, yet comprehensive overview of the state of the art in the relevant fields of research, summarize important open problems, and lay out a roadmap for future progress. This write-up is an initiative taken within the framework of the European Action on 'Black holes, Gravitational waves and Fundamental Physics'.
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| 11. |
- Doroshenko, Victor, et al.
(author)
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Luminosity dependence of the cyclotron line and evidence for the accretion regime transition in V 0332+53
- 2017
-
In: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press. - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 466:2, s. 2143-2150
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report on the analysis of NuSTAR observations of the Be-transient X-ray pulsar V 0332+ 53 during the giant outburst in 2015 and another minor outburst in 2016. We confirm the cyclotronline energy-luminosity correlation previously reported in the source and the line energy decrease during the giant outburst. Based on 2016 observations, we find that a year later the line energy has increased again essentially reaching the pre-outburst values. We discuss this behaviour and conclude that it is likely caused by a change of the emission region geometry rather than previously suggested accretion-induced decay of the neutron stars magnetic field. At lower luminosities, we find for the first time a hint of departure from the anticorrelation of line energy with flux, which we interpret as a transition from super-to sub-critical accretion associated with the disappearance of the accretion column. Finally, we confirm and briefly discuss the orbital modulation observed in the outburst light curve of the source.
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| 12. |
- Kajava, J. J. E., et al.
(author)
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The origin of seed photons for Comptonization in the black hole binary Swift J1753.5-0127
- 2016
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 591
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims. The black hole binary Swift J1753.5-0127 is providing a unique data set to study accretion flows. Various investigations of this system and of other black holes have not, however, led to an agreement on the accretion flow geometry or on the seed photon source for Comptonization during different stages of X-ray outbursts. We place constraints on these accretion flow properties by studying long-term spectral variations of this source. Methods. We performed phenomenological and self-consistent broad band spectral modeling of Swift J1753.5-0127 using quasi-simultaneous archived data from INTEGRAL/ISGRI, Swift/UVOT/XRT/BAT, RXTE/PCA/HEXTE, and MAXI/GSC instruments. Results. We identify a critical flux limit, F ~ 1.5 × 10-8 erg cm-2 s-1, and show that the spectral properties of Swift J1753.5-0127 are markedly different above and below this value. Above the limit, during the outburst peak, the hot medium seems to intercept roughly 50 percent of the disk emission. Below it, in the outburst tail, the contribution of the disk photons reduces significantly and the entire spectrum from the optical to X-rays can be produced by a synchrotron-self-Compton mechanism. The long-term variations in the hard X-ray spectra are caused by erratic changes of the electron temperatures in the hot medium. Thermal Comptonization models indicate unreasonably low hot medium optical depths during the short incursions into the soft state after 2010, suggesting that non-thermal electrons produce the Comptonized tail in this state. The soft X-ray excess, likely produced by the accretion disk, shows peculiarly stable temperatures for over an order of magnitude changes in flux. Conclusions. The long-term spectral trends of Swift J1753.5-0127 are likely set by variations of the truncation radius and a formation of a hot, quasi-spherical inner flow in the vicinity of the black hole. In the late outburst stages, at fluxes below the critical limit, the source of seed photons for Comptonization is not the thermal disk, but more likely they are produced by non-thermal synchrotron emission within the hot flow near the black hole. The stability of the soft excess temperature is, however, not consistent with this picture and further investigations are needed to understand its behavior.
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| 13. |
- Kosenkov, Ilia A., et al.
(author)
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High-precision optical polarimetry of the accreting black hole V404 Cyg during the 2015 June outburst
- 2017
-
In: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press. - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 468:4, s. 4362-4373
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Our simultaneous three-colour (BVR) polarimetric observations of the low-mass black hole X-ray binary V404 Cyg show a small but statistically significant change of polarization degree (Delta(p) similar to 1 per cent) between the outburst in 2015 June and the quiescence. The polarization of V404 Cyg in the quiescent state agrees within the errors with that of the visually close (1.4 arc-sec) companion (pR = 7.3 +/- 0.1 per cent), indicating that it is predominantly of interstellar origin. The polarization pattern of the surrounding field stars supports this conclusion. From the observed variable polarization during the outburst, we show that the polarization degree of the intrinsic component peaks in the V band, p(V) = 1.1 +/- 0.1 per cent, at the polarization position angle of theta(V) =-7 degrees+/- 2 degrees, which is consistent in all three passbands. We detect significant variations in the position angle of the intrinsic polarization in the R band from -30. to similar to 0 degrees during the outburst peak. The observed wavelength dependence of the intrinsic polarization does not support non-thermal synchrotron emission from a jet as a plausible mechanism, but it is in better agreement with the combined effect of electron (Thomson) scattering and absorption in a flattened plasma envelope or outflow surrounding the illuminating source. Alternatively, the polarization signal can be produced by scattering of the disc radiation in a mildly relativistic polar outflow. The position angle of the intrinsic polarization, nearly parallel to the jet direction (i. e. perpendicular to the accretion disc plane), is in agreement with these interpretations.
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| 14. |
- Kravtsov, Vadim, et al.
(author)
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Orbital variability of the optical linear polarization of the gamma-ray binary LS I+61 degrees 303 and new constraints on the orbital parameters
- 2020
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 643
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We studied the variability of the linear polarization and brightness of the gamma -ray binary LS I +61 degrees 303. High-precision BVR photopolarimetric observations were carried out with the Dipol-2 polarimeter on the 2.2 m remotely controlled UH88 telescope at Mauna Kea Observatory and the 60 cm Tohoku telescope at Haleakala bservatory (Hawaii) over 140 nights in 2016-2019. We also determined the degree and angle of the interstellar polarization toward LS I +61 degrees 303 using two out of four nearby field stars that have Gaia's parallaxes. After subtracting the interstellar polarization, we determined the position angle of the intrinsic polarization theta similar or equal to 11 degrees, which can either be associated with the projection of the Be star's decretion disk axis on the plane of sky, or can differ from it by 90 degrees. Using the Lomb-Scargle method, we performed timing analyses and period searches of our polarimetric and photometric data. We found statistically significant periodic variability of the normalized Stokes parameters q and u in all passbands. The most significant period of variability, P-Pol=13.244 +/- 0.012 d, is equal to one half of the orbital period P-orb=26.496 d. The fits of the polarization variability curves with Fourier series show a dominant contribution from the second harmonic which is typical for binary systems with circular orbits and nearly symmetric distribution of light scattering material with respect to the orbital plane. The continuous change of polarization with the orbital phase implies co-planarity of the orbit of the compact object and the Be star's decretion disk. Using a model of Thomson scattering by a cloud that orbits the Be star, we obtained constraints on the orbital parameters, including a small eccentricity e<0.2 and periastron phase of (p)approximate to 0.6, which coincides with the peaks in the radio, X-ray, and TeV emission. These constraints are independent of the assumption about the orientation of the decretion disk plane on the sky. We also extensively discuss the apparent inconsistency with the previous measurements of the orbital parameters from radial velocities. By folding the photometry data acquired during a three-year time span with the orbital period, we found a linear phase shift of the moments of the brightness maximum, confirming the possible existence of superorbital variability.
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| 15. |
- Krivonos, Roman, et al.
(author)
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NuSTAR observations of the ultraluminous X-ray source M33 X-8 : a black hole in a very high state?
- 2018
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In: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : OXFORD UNIV PRESS. - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 480:2, s. 2357-2364
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The closest known ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX), M33 X-8, has been recently observed with NuSTAR during its Extragalactic Legacy program, which includes a hard X-ray survey of the M33 galaxy. We present results of two long observations of M33 taken in 2017 March and July, with M33 X-8 in the field of view. The source demonstrates a nearly constant flux during the observations, and its 3-20 keV spectrum can be well described by two distinct components: a standard accretion disc with a temperature of similar to 1 keV at the inner radius and a power law with a photon index Gamma approximate to 3, which is significantly detected up to 20 keV. There is also an indication of a high-energy cut-off in the spectrum, corresponding to a temperature of the Comptonizing medium of greater than or similar to 10 keV. The broad-band spectral properties of M33 X-8 resemble black hole X-ray binaries in their very high states, suggesting that M33 X-8 is a black hole accreting at a nearly Eddington rate, in contrast to super-Eddington accretion believed to take place in more luminous ULXs.
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| 16. |
- Monkkonen, Juhani, et al.
(author)
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Discovery of a retrogradely rotating neutron star in the X-ray pulsar GX 301-2
- 2020
-
In: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 494:2, s. 2178-2182
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report on the analysis of the spin evolution of a slow X-ray pulsar GX 301-2 along the orbit using long-term monitoring by Fermi/Gamma-ray Burst Monitor. Based on the observationally confirmed accretion scenario and an analytical model for the accretion of angular momentum, we demonstrate that in this system, the neutron star spins retrogradely, that is, in a direction opposite to the orbital motion. This first-of-a-kind discovery of such a system proves the principal possibility of retrograde rotation in accreting systems with suitable accretion torque, and might have profound consequences for our understanding of the spin evolution of X-ray pulsars, estimates of their initial spin periods, and the ultimate result of their evolution.
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| 17. |
- Monkkonen, Juhani, et al.
(author)
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Evidence for the radiation-pressure dominated accretion disk in bursting pulsar GRO J1744-28 using timing analysis
- 2019
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP SCIENCES S A. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 626
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The X-ray pulsar GRO J1744-28 is a unique source that shows both pulsations and type-II X-ray bursts, allowing studies of the interaction of the accretion disk with the magnetosphere at huge mass-accretion rates exceeding 10(19) g s(-1) during its super-Eddington outbursts. The magnetic field strength in the source, B approximate to 5 x 10(11) G, is known from the cyclotron absorption feature discovered in the energy spectrum around 4.5 keV. Here, we have explored the flux variability of the source in context of interaction of its magnetosphere with the radiation-pressure dominated accretion disk. Specifically, we present the results of the analysis of noise power density spectra (PDS) using the observations of the source in 1996-1997 by the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE). Accreting compact objects commonly exhibit a broken power-law PDS shape with a break corresponding to the Keplerian orbital frequency of matter at the innermost disk radius. The observed frequency of the break can thus be used to estimate the size of the magnetosphere. We find, however, that the observed PDS of GRO J1744-28 differs dramatically from the canonical shape. The observed break frequency appears to be significantly higher than expected based on the magnetic field estimated from the cyclotron line energy. We argue that these observational facts can be attributed to the existence of the radiation-pressure dominated region in the accretion disk at luminosities above similar to 2 x10(37) erg s(-1). We discuss a qualitative model for the PDS formation in such disks, and show that its predictions are consistent with our observational findings. The presence of the radiation-pressure dominated region can also explain the observed weak luminosity dependence of the inner radius, and we argue that the small inner radius can be explained by a quadrupole component dominating the magnetic field of the neutron star.
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| 18. |
- Mushtukov, Alexander A., et al.
(author)
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Positive correlation between the cyclotron line energy and luminosity in sub-critical X-ray pulsars : Doppler effect in the accretion channel
- 2015
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In: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press. - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 454:3, s. 2714-2721
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Cyclotron resonance scattering features observed in the spectra of some X-ray pulsars show significant changes of the line centroid energy with the pulsar luminosity. Whereas for bright sources above the so-called critical luminosity, these variations are established to be connected with the appearance of the high-accretion column above the neutron star surface, at low, sub-critical luminosities the nature of the variations (but with the opposite sign) has not been discussed widely. We argue here that the cyclotron line is formed when the radiation from a hotspot propagates through the plasma falling with a mildly relativistic velocity on to the neutron star surface. The position of the cyclotron resonance is determined by the Doppler effect. The change of the cyclotron line position in the spectrum with luminosity is caused by variations of the velocity profile in the line-forming region affected by the radiation pressure force. The presented model has several characteristic features: (i) the line centroid energy is positively correlated with the luminosity; (ii) the line width is positively correlated with the luminosity as well; (iii) the position and the width of the cyclotron absorption line are variable over the pulse phase; (iv) the line has a more complicated shape than widely used Lorentzian or Gaussian profiles; (v) the phase-resolved cyclotron line centroid energy and the width are negatively and positively correlated with the pulse intensity, respectively. The predictions of the proposed theory are compared with the variations of the cyclotron line parameters in the Xray pulsar GX 304-1 over a wide range of sub-critical luminosities as seen by the INTEGRAL observatory.
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| 19. |
- Mushtukov, Alexander A., et al.
(author)
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Pulsating ULXs : large pulsed fraction excludes strong beaming
- 2021
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In: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 501:2, s. 2424-2429
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The recent discovery of pulsating ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) shows that the apparent luminosity of accreting neutron stars can exceed the Eddington luminosity by a factor of 100s. The relation between the actual and apparent luminosity is a key ingredient in theoretical models of ULXs, but it is still under debate. A typical feature of the discovered pulsating ULXs is a large pulsed fraction (PF). Using Monte Carlo simulations, we consider a simple geometry of accretion flow and test the possibility of simultaneous presence of a large luminosity amplification due the geometrical beaming and a high PF. We argue that these factors largely exclude each other and only a negligible fraction of strongly beamed ULX pulsars can show PF above 10 per cent. Discrepancy between this conclusion and current observations indicates that pulsating ULXs are not strongly beamed and their apparent luminosity is close to the actual one.
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| 20. |
- Mushtukov, Alexander A., et al.
(author)
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Ultraluminous X-ray sources as neutrino pulsars
- 2018
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In: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : OXFORD UNIV PRESS. - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 476:3, s. 2867-2873
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The classical limit on the accretion luminosity of a neutron star is given by the Eddington luminosity. The advanced models of accretion on to magnetized neutron stars account for the appearance of magnetically confined accretion columns and allow the accretion luminosity to be higher than the Eddington value by a factor of tens. However, the recent discovery of pulsations from ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX) in NGC 5907 demonstrates that the accretion luminosity can exceed the Eddington value up to by a factor of 500. We propose a model explaining observational properties of ULX-1 in NGC 5907 without any ad hoc assumptions. We show that the accretion column at extreme luminosity becomes advective. Enormous energy release within a small geometrical volume and advection result in very high temperatures at the bottom of accretion column, which demand to account for the energy losses due to neutrino emission which can be even more effective than the radiation energy losses. We show that the total luminosity at the mass accretion rates above 1021 g s(-1) is dominated by the neutrino emission similarly to the case of core-collapse supernovae. We argue that the accretion rate measurements based on detected photon luminosity in case of bright ULXs powered by neutron stars can be largely underestimated due to intense neutrino emission. The recently discovered pulsating ULX-1 in galaxy NGC 5907 with photon luminosity of similar to 10(41) erg s(-1) is expected to be even brighter in neutrinos and is thus the first known Neutrino Pulsar.
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| 21. |
- Nabizadeh, Armin, et al.
(author)
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Broad-band analysis of X-ray pulsar 2S 1845-024
- 2022
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 657, s. A58-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present the results of a detailed investigation of the poorly studied X-ray pulsar 2S 1845-024 based on data obtained at the NuSTAR observatory during the type I outburst in 2017. Neither pulse phase-averaged nor phase-resolved spectra of the source show evidence for a cyclotron absorption feature. We also used data obtained from other X-ray observatories (Swift, XMM-Newton and Chandra) to study the spectral properties as a function of orbital phase. The analysis reveals a high hydrogen column density for the source reaching similar to 10(24) cm(-2) around periastron. Using high-quality Chandra data we were able to obtain an accurate localization of 2S 1845-024 at RA= 18(h) 48(m)16(s).8 and Dec = -2 degrees 25'25 ''.1 (J2000), which allowed us to use infrared (IR) data to roughly classify the optical counterpart of the source as an OB supergiant at a distance of greater than or similar to 15 kpc.
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| 22. |
- Nabizadeh, Armin, et al.
(author)
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NuSTAR observations of wind-fed X-ray pulsar GX301-2 during unusual spin-up event
- 2019
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP SCIENCES S A. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 629
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report on NuSTAR observations of the well-known wind-accreting X-ray pulsar GX301-2 during a strong spin-up episode that took place in January-March 2019. A measurement of high luminosity of the source in the most recent observation allowed us to detect a positive correlation of the cyclotron line energy with luminosity. Beyond that, only minor differences in spectral and temporal properties of the source during the spin-up, presumably associated with the formation of a transient accretion disk, and the normal wind-fed state could be detected. Finally, we discuss conditions for the formation of the disk and possible reasons for lack of any appreciable variations in most of the observed source properties induced by the change of the accretion mechanism, and conclude that the bulk of the observed X-ray emission is still likely powered by direct accretion from the wind.
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| 23. |
- Nabizadeh, Armin, et al.
(author)
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Properties of the transient X-ray pulsar Swift J1816.7-1613 and its optical companion
- 2019
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 622
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present results of investigation of the poorly studied X-ray pulsar Swift J1816.7-1613 during its transition from the type I outburst to the quiescent state. Our studies are based on the data obtained from X-ray observatories Swift, NuSTAR, and Chandra alongside with the latest IR data from UKIDSS/GPS and Spitzer/GLIMPSE surveys. The aim of the work is to determine the parameters of the system, namely the strength of the neutron star magnetic field and the distance to the source, which are required for the interpretation of the source behaviour in the framework of physically motivated models. No cyclotron absorption line was detected in the broad-band energy spectrum. However, the timing analysis hints at the typical for the X-ray pulsars magnetic field from a few x10(11) to a few x10(12) G. We also estimated the type of the IR-companion as a B0-2e star located at a distance of 7-13 kpc.
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| 24. |
- Nabizadeh, Armin, et al.
(author)
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Spectral evolution of X-ray pulsar 4U 1901+03 during the 2019 outburst based on Insight-HXMT and NuSTAR observations
- 2021
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 652
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report on a detailed spectral analysis of emission from X-ray pulsar 4U 1901+03 using data obtained by the Insight-HXMT and NuSTAR observatories during the 2019 outburst of the source. Thanks to the extensive coverage of the outburst by Insight-HXMT, we were able to investigate the spectral evolution of the source as a function of flux, and compare these results to the previous reports, focusing on the properties of a putative absorption feature at around 10 keV. In particular, we demonstrate that the broadband X-ray continuum of 4U 1901+03 can be well described with a two-component continuum model without an absorption line at 10 keV, which casts doubt on its interpretation as a cyclotron line. The high quality of the data also allowed us to perform both phase-averaged and phase-resolved spectral analyses as a function of luminosity. Finally, we performed a detailed investigation of another absorption feature in the spectrum of the source around 30 keV recently reported in the NuSTAR data. We show that this feature appears to be significantly detected both in phase-averaged and phase-resolved spectra irrespective of the continuum model.
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| 25. |
- Poutanen, Juri, et al.
(author)
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Black hole spin-orbit misalignment in the x-ray binary MAXI J1820+070
- 2022
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In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 375:6583, s. 874-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The observational signatures of black holes in x-ray binary systems depend on their masses, spins, accretion rate, and the misalignment angle between the black hole spin and the orbital angular momentum. We present optical polarimetric observations of the black hole x-ray binary MAXI J1820+070, from which we constrain the position angle of the binary orbital. Combining this with previous determinations of the relativistic jet orientation. which traces the black hole spin, and the inclination of the orbit, we determine a lower limit of 40 degrees on the spin-orbit misalignment angle. The misalignment must originate from either the binary evolution or black hole formation stages. If other x-ray binaries have similarly large misalignments, these would bias measurements of black hole masses and spins from x-ray observations.
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| 26. |
- Salganik, Alexander, et al.
(author)
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On the nature of the X-ray pulsar XTE J1859+083 and its broad-band properties
- 2021
-
In: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 509:4, s. 5955-5963
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This work is devoted to the study of the broad-band 0.8-79 keV spectral and timing properties of the poorly studied X-ray pulsar XTE J1859 +083 during its 2015 outburst based on the data from the NuSTAR and Swift observatories. We show that the source pulse profile has complex shape that depends on the energy band. Pulse fraction of XTE J1859+083 has constant value around 35 per cent in the broad energy band, this behaviour is atypical for X-ray pulsars. At the same time its energy spectrum is typical of this class of objects and has a power-law shape with an exponential cutoff at high energies. No cyclotron absorption line was discovered in the source spectrum. On the basis of indirect method and the absence of a cyclotron line, an estimation was made for the magnetic field strength as less than 5 x10(11) G or belonging to the interval from 5 x10(12) to 2.0(-1.2)(+0.9) x10(13) G. Data from the NOT and SALT telescopes as well as optical and IR sky surveys allowed us also to study the nature of its optical companion. We have proposed and studied new possible candidates for the optical companion of XTE J1859+083 and the most likely candidate was identified. The results of the optical and IR photometry and spectroscopy of these possible companions showed that the system is a Be X-ray binary, showing Br gamma, He I, and strong H alpha spectral lines.
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| 27. |
- Salmi, Tuomo, et al.
(author)
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Neutron star parameter constraints for accretion-powered millisecond pulsars from the simulated IXPE data
- 2021
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP SCIENCES S A. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 646
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We have simulated the X-ray polarization data that can be obtained with the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer, when observing accretion-powered millisecond pulsars. We estimated the necessary exposure times for SAX J1808.4-3658 in order to obtain different accuracy in the measured time-dependent Stokes profiles integrated over all energy channels. We found that the measured relative errors strongly depend on the relative configuration of the observer and the emitting hotspot. The improvement in the minimum relative error in Stokes Q and U parameters as a function of observing time t scales as 1= p t,, and it spans the range from 30-90% with a 200 ks exposure time to 20-60% with a 500 ks exposure time (in the case of data binned in 19 phase bins). The simulated data were also used to predict how accurate measurements of the geometrical parameters of the neutron star can be made when modelling only Q and U parameters, but not the flux. We found that the observer inclination and the hotspot co-latitude could be determined with better than 10 degrees accuracy for most of the cases we considered. In addition, we show that the position of a secondary hotspot can also be constrained when the spot is not obscured by an accretion disc. These measurements can be used to further constrain the neutron star mass and radius when combined with modelling of the X-ray pulse profile.
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| 28. |
- Semena, Andrey N., et al.
(author)
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Observational constraints on the magnetic field of the bright transient Be/X-ray pulsar SXP 4.78
- 2019
-
In: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : OXFORD UNIV PRESS. - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 490:3, s. 3355-3364
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report results of the spectral and timing analysis of the Be/X-ray pulsar SXP 4.78 using the data obtained during its recent outburst with NuSTAR, Swift, Chandra, and NICER observatories. Using an overall evolution of the system luminosity, spectral analysis, and variability power spectrum we obtain constraints on the neutron star magnetic field strength. We found a rapid evolution of the variability power spectrum during the rise of the outburst, and absence of the significant changes during the flux decay. Several low frequency quasiperiodic oscillation features are found to emerge on the different stages of the outburst, but no clear clues on their origin were found in the energy spectrum and overall flux behaviour. We use several indirect methods to estimate the magnetic field strength on the neutron star surface and found that most of them suggest magnetic field B less than or similar to 2 x 10(12) G. The strictest upper limit comes from the absence of the cyclotron absorption features in the energy spectra and suggests relatively weak magnetic field B < 6 x 10(11) G.)
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| 29. |
- Tsygankov, Sergey S., et al.
(author)
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NuSTAR discovery of a cyclotron absorption line in the transient X-ray pulsar 2S 1553-542
- 2016
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In: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press. - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 457:1, s. 258-266
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report the results of a spectral and timing analysis of the poorly studied transient X-ray pulsar 2S 1553-542 using data collected with the NuSTAR and Chandra observatories and the Fermi/GBM instrument during an outburst in 2015. The properties of the source at high energies (>30 keV) are studied for the first time and the sky position has been essentially improved. The source broad-band spectrum has a quite complicated shape and can be reasonably described by a composite model with two continuum components - a blackbody emission with the temperature about 1 keV at low energies and a power law with an exponential cut-off at high energies. Additionally, an absorption feature at similar to 23.5 keV is discovered both in phase-averaged and phase-resolved spectra and interpreted as the cyclotron resonance scattering feature corresponding to the magnetic field strength of the neutron star B similar to 3 x 10(12) G. Based on the Fermi/ GBM data, the orbital parameters of the system were substantially improved, which allowed us to determine the spin period of the neutron star P = 9.27880(3) s and a local spin-up. (P) over dot similar or equal to -7.5 x 10(-10) s s(-1) due to the mass accretion during the NuSTAR observations. Assuming accretion from the disc and using standard torque models, we estimated the distance to the system as d = 20 +/- 4 kpc.
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| 30. |
- Tsygankov, Sergey S., et al.
(author)
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On the magnetic field of the first Galactic ultraluminous X-ray pulsar Swift J0243.6+6124
- 2018
-
In: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press. - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966 .- 1745-3925 .- 1745-3933. ; 479:1, s. L134-L138
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report on the monitoring of the final stage of the outburst from the first Galactic ultraluminous X-ray pulsar Swift J0243.6+6124, which reached similar to 40 Eddington luminosities. The main aim of the monitoring program with the Swift/XRT telescope was to measure the magnetic field of the neutron star using the luminosity of transition to the 'propeller' state. The visibility constraints, unfortunately, did not permit us to observe the source down to the fluxes low enough to detect such a transition. The tight upper limit on the propeller luminosity L-prop < 6.8x10(35) erg s(-1) implies the dipole component of the magnetic field B< 10(13) G. On the other hand, the observed evolution of the pulse profile and of the pulsed fraction with flux points to a change of the emission region geometry at the critical luminosity L-crit similar to 3 x 10(38) erg s(-1) both in the rising and declining parts of the outburst. We associate the observed change with the onset of the accretion column, which allows us to get an independent estimate of the magnetic field strength close to the neutron stars surface of B > 10(13) G. Given the existing uncertainty in the effective magnetosphere size, we conclude that both estimates are marginally compatible with each other.
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| 31. |
- Tsygankov, Sergey S., et al.
(author)
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The unusual behavior of the young X-ray pulsar SXP 1062 during the 2019 outburst
- 2020
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 637
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present the results of the first dedicated observation of the young X-ray pulsar SXP 1062 in the broad X-ray energy band obtained during its 2019 outburst with the NuSTAR and XMM-Newton observatories. The analysis of the pulse-phase averaged and phase-resolved spectra in the energy band from 0.5 to 70 keV did not reveal any evidence for the presence of a cyclotron line. The spin period of the pulsar was found to have decreased to 979.48 +/- 0.06 s implying a similar to 10% reduction compared to the last measured period during the monitoring campaign conducted about five years ago, and is puzzling considering that the system apparently has not shown major outbursts ever since. The switch of the pulsar to the spin-up regime supports the common assumption that torques acting on the accreting neutron star are nearly balanced and thus SXP 1062 likely also spins with a period close to the equilibrium value for this system. The current monitoring of the source also revealed a sharp drop in its soft X-ray flux right after the outburst, which is in drastic contrast to the behavior during the previous outburst when the pulsar remained observable for years with only a minor flux decrease after the end of the outburst. This unexpected off state of the source lasted for at most 20 days after which SXP 1062 returned to the level observed during previous campaigns. We discuss this and other findings in context of the modern models of accretion onto strongly magnetized neutron stars.
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| 32. |
- Tsygankov, Sergey S., et al.
(author)
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The X-ray properties of Be/X-ray pulsars in quiescence
- 2017
-
In: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press. - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 470:1, s. 126-141
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Observations of accreting neutron stars (NSs) with strong magnetic fields can be used not only for studying the accretion flow interaction with the NS magnetospheres, but also for understanding the physical processes inside NSs and for estimating their fundamental parameters. Of particular interest are (i) the interaction of a rotating NS (magnetosphere) with the infalling matter at different accretion rates, and (ii) the theory of deep crustal heating and the influence of a strong magnetic field on this process. Here, we present results of the first systematic investigation of 16 X-ray pulsars with Be optical companions during their quiescent states, based on data from the Chandra, XMM-Newton and Swift observatories. The whole sample of sources can be roughly divided into two distinct groups: (i) relatively bright objects with a luminosity around similar to 10(34) erg s(-1) and (hard) power-law spectra, and (ii) fainter ones showing thermal spectra. X-ray pulsations were detected from five objects in group (i) with quite a large pulse fraction of 50-70 per cent. The obtained results are discussed within the framework of the models describing the interaction of the infalling matter with the NS magnetic field and those describing heating and cooling in accreting NSs.
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| 33. |
- Tsygankov, Sergey S., et al.
(author)
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X-Ray Pulsar XTE J1858+034 : Discovery of the Cyclotron Line and the Revised Optical Identification
- 2021
-
In: Astrophysical Journal. - : IOP PUBLISHING LTD. - 0004-637X .- 1538-4357. ; 909:2
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present the results of a detailed investigation of the poorly studied X-ray pulsar (XRP) XTE J1858+034 based on the data obtained with the NuSTAR observatory during the outburst of the source in 2019. The spectral analysis resulted in the discovery of a cyclotron absorption feature in the source spectrum at similar to 48 keV in both the pulse phase-averaged and resolved spectra. Accurate X-ray localization of the source using the NuSTAR and Chandra observatories allowed us to accurately determine the position of the X-ray source and identify the optical companion of the pulsar. The analysis of the counterpart properties suggested that the system is likely a symbiotic binary hosting an XRP and a late-type companion star of the K-M classes rather than a Be X-ray binary as previously suggested.
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| 34. |
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| 35. |
- Veledina, Alexandra, et al.
(author)
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Evolving optical polarisation of the black hole X-ray binary MAXI J1820+070
- 2019
-
In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP SCIENCES S A. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 623
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims. The optical emission of black hole transients increases by several magnitudes during the X-ray outbursts. Whether the extra light arises from the X-ray heated outer disc, from the inner hot accretion flow, or from the jet is currently debated. Optical polarisation measurements are able to distinguish the relative contributions of these components. Methods. We present the results of BVR polarisation measurements of the black hole X-ray binary MAXI J1820+070 during the period of March-April 2018. Results. We detect small, similar to 0.7%, but statistically significant polarisation, part of which is of interstellar origin. Depending on the interstellar polarisation estimate, the intrinsic polarisation degree of the source is between similar to 0.3% and 0.7%, and the polarisation position angle is between similar to 10 degrees-30 degrees. We show that the polarisation increases after MJD 58222 (2018 April 14). The change is of the order of 0.1% and is most pronounced in the R band. The change of the source Stokes parameters occurs simultaneously with the drop of the observed V-band flux and a slow softening of the X-ray spectrum. The Stokes vectors of intrinsic polarisation before and after the drop are parallel, at least in the V and R filters. Conclusions. We suggest that the increased polarisation is due to the decreasing contribution of the non-polarized component, which we associate with the the hot flow or jet emission. The low polarisation can result from the tangled geometry of the magnetic field or from the Faraday rotation in the dense, ionised, and magnetised medium close to the black hole. The polarized optical emission is likely produced by the irradiated disc or by scattering of its radiation in the optically thin outflow.
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| 36. |
- Veledina, Alexandra, et al.
(author)
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Expanding hot flow in the black hole binary SWIFT J1753.5-0127 : evidence from optical timing
- 2017
-
In: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press. - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 470:1, s. 48-59
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We describe the evolution of optical and X-ray temporal characteristics during the outburst decline of the black hole X-ray binary SWIFT J1753.5-0127. The optical/ X-ray crosscorrelation function demonstrates a single positive correlation at the outburst peak, then it has multiple dips and peaks during the decline stage, which are then replaced by the precognition dip plus peak structure in the outburst tail. Power spectral densities and phase lags show a complex evolution, revealing the presence of intrinsically connected optical and X-ray quasi-periodic oscillations. For the first time, we quantitatively explain the evolution of these timing properties during the entire outburst within one model, the essence of which is the expansion of the hot accretion flow towards the tail of the outburst. The pivoting of the spectrum produced by synchrotron Comptonization in the hot flow is responsible for the appearance of the anticorrelation with the X-rays and for the optical quasi-periodic oscillations. Our model reproduces well the cross-correlation and phase lag spectrum during the decline stage, which could not be understood with any model proposed before.
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